How far back do you sit?

[qwert]

How far back from the steering wheel is safe in case of airbag deployment? I've heard 10" but after watching this crash test video of the Sonic that seems way too close.

Chevrolet Sonic Crash Test Video - YouTube

 

[Johnny Alien]

That dummy in the video looks about the distance back I sit. I never measured it before I just set the seat and steering wheel into a position that I feel comfortable.

 

[ahtoxa]

At 6'7'' I never had that problem. I do remember years ago it has been said that 12" is min.

 

[Eric Smit]

I'm 6'1" and I sit this far back.

-Eric Smit

 

[Eric Smit]

Also, here are some more, better, videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54RsYiIZkIk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9z-tQsphls&feature=youtube_gdata_player
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyJkAmoPWq4&feature=youtube_gdata_player



-Eric Smit

 

[inm]

Wait... That first video in the first post.

Is this it for sale?
Chevrolet : Sonic SONIC LT in Chevrolet | eBay Motors

 

[bmiles]

Wait... That first video in the first post.

Is this it for sale?
Chevrolet : Sonic SONIC LT in Chevrolet | eBay Motors

no i'd say not since on the testing there is no rear end, and it has stuff all over the car and the wheels..

I sit back a good ways, and by the looks of it i dont really want to be in a head on collison.

 

[Eric Smit]

That's pretty cheap for a smashed front end.

Also, when I drive, I generally try to avoid head on collisions.


-Eric Smit

 

[Black Turbo LTZ]

I'm 6'1" and I sit this far back.

-Eric Smit

I'm just a lil further back than you but basically you can't see my head when driving by my car and I prefer it that way! plus gives my 2 1/2yr old the exact angle from the back to launch toys at my head!

 

[Eric Smit]

I'm just a lil further back than you but basically you can't see my head when driving by my car and I prefer it that way! plus gives my 2 1/2yr old the exact angle from the back to launch toys at my head!

My almost two year old has gotten really good at ricocheting his things off my dash/steering wheel into my crotch.


-Eric Smit

 

[qwert]

I measured the distance btw my steering wheel and chest and I thought it would be real close b/c I like to sit closer, but it ended up being just over 14".

 

[Black Turbo LTZ]

My almost two year old has gotten really good at ricocheting his things off my dash/steering wheel into my crotch.


-Eric Smit

Gotta love our kids!, her fav new thing is putting foot prints on my "if you wanna call them leather" seats..the more prints the better, or so she mumbles!

 

[Bogus]

The way I always measure how far I should sit from the wheel, and I think everyone should do this.
With your back, shoulders, and head all the way back in the seat, you should be able to fully and firmly grip the top of the steering wheel with either hand and your arm/elbow should be completely straight or at the most slightly bent.

I always imagine how badly a person is gonna get injured (or killed) when I see them sitting 2 inches from the wheel.

 

[Leverus]

I just sit as far back as I can while being able to push the clutch to the floor.

 

[SSpeckerwood]

i've been sitting up on it some. it feels more comfy going around tight corners. i'm 6' and sit in the spot a person about 5'1" would sit. lol

 

[J T]

i've been sitting up on it some. it feels more comfy going around tight corners. i'm 6' and sit in the spot a person about 5'1" would sit. lol

I'm 6'3" and probably sit in a position like a 6' tall person. Perhaps it's because of the position of my Mazda3, which had minimal leg room. 285,000 miles in 8 years, you tend to get used to a particular sitting position.

I am no where near having the seat in my Sonic all the way back. In fact, it has the most leg room of any car I've driven. I suppose that would come in handy for someone gettin' some in the car, but those days are long gone for me.

 

[SSpeckerwood]

Not me. I love "road" trips.

 

[J T]

Not me. I love "road" trips.

Oh, I do too...unfortunately, my 36-year-old gf is not much into that. Damn, I miss the 20-something-year-olds.

 

[djinn]

Oh, I do too...unfortunately, my 36-year-old gf is not much into that. Damn, I miss the 20-something-year-olds.

Trade her in for two 18 year olds? Lol jk.
I put my seat usually as far back as it will go. I'm 6'2" with a 36" inseam!

Sent from my LG-P930 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Dags]

I've been told I sit close to the wheel. Both my dad (who is the same height) and my mechanic (who was about 3-4" shorter) would move the seat back considerably anytime they were in it. I don't know if he has longer legs than me, but I have to stretch in order to floor it in my dad's Civic if I don't move the seats.

There's still a good deal of room between my chest/face and the airbag though, I don't have a ridiculously fat back or anything.